THE African Cleanup Initiative (ACI) successfully hosted the 10th edition of the African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit (ASCES) 2026 at Hotel Mavilla, Cotonou, bringing together approximately 100 sustainability leaders, innovators, policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders from three countries.
Held under the theme, “Building Resilient Communities through the SDGs and Circular Economy,” the two-day summit featured keynote sessions, a technical paper presentation, a high-level roundtable, the African Sustainability & Circular Economy Impact Awards, a Green Tour, historical site visits, and networking opportunities.
The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, explore emerging circular economy practices, showcase innovative green solutions, and strengthen collaboration towards a more sustainable and resilient Africa.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Alexander Akhigbe, Founder and CEO of the African Cleanup Initiative, said:
“The energy and level of collaboration witnessed at the African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit in Cotonou exceeded all expectations. Over the years, this platform has evolved from conversations around environmental cleanliness and waste management into a broader movement for sustainable development, circular economy, innovation, and resilient communities across Africa.”
He added, “The high-level networking and engagement witnessed during this two-day conference demonstrate that environmental organisations, government, communities, businesses, and individuals are ready to work together to build a sustainable Africa.”
Echoing the call for collective action, Mrs. Titilola Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, stated during her keynote address: “Not one person can do it all; it takes a community of us.”
Key Highlights
African Sustainability & Circular Economy Impact Awards:
Sixteen eco-impact organisations and sustainability leaders were honoured for their contributions to environmental protection, sustainable development, and the advancement of circular economy practices across Africa.
Recipients included Prof. Okeke Gerald Ndubuisi, first professor of climate change and environmental sustainability in Africa, Engr. Prof. Theophilus Aku Ugah, Vice Chancellor, Highstone Global University, Texas, USA; Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma, Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Sustainable Development Goals, and De-TopNotch Services Limited among other sustainability leaders and practitioners.
Special recognition awardees are Mrs. Titilola Oshodi, special adviser on climate change and circular economy to the Lagos State Government and Habiba Abubakar, Country Managing Director, Zoomlion Limited.
High-Level Roundtable:
Policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability practitioners explored Africa’s sustainability challenges and opportunities, emphasising collaboration, strategic partnerships, and collective action.
Songhai Green Tour:
Participants visited the renowned Songhai Centre in Porto-Novo, gaining practical insights into integrated sustainable agriculture, resource recovery, innovation, and circular economy practices.
The African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit (ASCES), formerly known as the African Cleanup Conference & Awards, is an annual platform convened by the African Cleanup Initiative to bring together leaders, innovators, policymakers, businesses, development partners, and communities committed to advancing sustainability and circular economy solutions across Africa.
The 2026 edition marked a decade of environmental action, dialogue, collaboration, recognition, and collective impact, with previous editions hosted in Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo.
ASCES 2026 reinforced a clear message: Africa has challenges, but it also has the people, resources, innovations, and solutions needed to build a resilient future. What Africa needs now is greater collaboration, investment, innovation, and action.
M.P
Tags: African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit
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